Three short verses. That’s all we get in Psalm 133, but three verses is all we need to see a beautiful picture to end this week’s thoughts: people living together in harmony.
 
The progression of our story finds humanity united around our own self-proclaimed magnificence at Babel, then scattered and unable to dwell together because of a God-imposed language barrier. Then, at Pentecost, the Spirit pierces through those barriers so the Gospel could be heard by everyone. Then, Jesus sends His disciples out amongst the nations to move His mission out beyond the safety of their locked rooms and protected lives.
 
Psalm 133 beckons us to stop for just a moment and delight in the goodness of a people who can now dwell together in unity and harmony around the majesty of God. The Psalmist describes this unity as rich and abundant, like the sweet anointing of oil commissioning someone into service of God; like dew on the mountains. Harmony is something that flows, a gift from God.

As we turn our hearts toward worship in light of God’s Spirit pouring out on us, we need to remember the unity of God’s people isn’t centered around our own greatness, but on His holiness, sacrifice, and eternal love.
 
I love the fact that Pentecost didn’t reverse the judgment of Babel by returning us to one singular language, but by empowering different voices to come together as one with one purpose, one goal, and one mission. It signaled a shared allegiance to Jesus which unites people who might otherwise have nothing else in common.
 
Spend some time today thanking Him for the brothers and sisters He’s brought near that don’t look, speak, think, or hail from the same places as you and me. Seek His face and ask Him to make your life a place where Spirit-centered harmony is celebrated and protected.
 
All around us today, the scattered and broken are being gathered under the umbrella of the Gospel and reign of Jesus, and according to the Psalmist, that is in fact … delightfully good.

Who has God placed in your life who helps you see the beauty of His diverse family? Where could you actively protect or strengthen harmony among God’s people?

Father, it’s so good when Your people dwell together in harmony instead of division and strife. Thank you for creating a family that transcends language, background, culture, ethnicity, and every difference we could list. Forgive me for my pride and for when selfishness damages the unity Your Spirit brings. Teach me to love people, all people, but especially the ones You’ve brought near to my life. May my life and love for my neighbor point people to the King who makes a space for delightfully good gathering. Amen.

“I praise God for gathering __________________.”